Orientation and Mobility Specialist

ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST

Reports To:

Program Services Supervisor

Exemption Status:

Exempt

Hours per week:

Full-time, 40 hours

Department:

BR Admin - 970100

Salary Grade:

PRF6

SOC Code:

21-1015

Overall Responsibilities:

The Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist will travel throughout a wide geographic area offering Orientation and Mobility instruction to adults who are blind or visually impaired in safe, independent, and efficient travel in both familiar and unfamiliar environments so they may function at a level which will result in an independent lifestyle. The O&M Specialist will also assist individuals to achieve maximum independence through daily living skills instruction. The O&M Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the individualized rehabilitation services to clients to support their goals to remain independent in their home and daily activities. Incumbent must be able to provide their own transportation to various client sites.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility and certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist through ACVREP or NBPCB is required. At least 3 years of experience in the field of blindness and visual impairment preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of principles, methodology, tools, techniques, and equipment used for providing O&M to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to accurately evaluate the O&M skill level of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to work with diverse clientele and exercise discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgment.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to meet the needs of the clients, the organization, and its customers.
• Self-directed, requiring minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of physical and psychosocial adjustments to the loss of vision.
• Knowledge of State and Federal Laws, rules, and regulations that are applicable.
• Knowledge of low vision adaptive aids and appliances.
• Ability to problem solve and utilize necessary resources.
• Ability to function independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to organize and manage case load, set priorities, and pay attention to details to ensure work is accurate and tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Provide own transportation to various client sites. Personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed. Reasonable accommodations will be made when able.
• Be CPR/First Aid certified or have the ability to get certified
• Have a smartphone to use for business purposes.
• Ability to lift/move/transfer materials weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.
• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent may be exposed to outdoor changing weather conditions and various indoor environmental conditions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform orientation and mobility evaluations and implement plans that focus on the individual's long-and short-term needs.
• Develop assessment reports that include the client's needs and strengths and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet those needs. This includes detailed recommendations for equipment appropriate to the plan.
• Instruct individuals and small groups as assigned, both in the Community and in the Center, in various daily living skills including, but not limited to, the use of magnification, glare shields, lighting, time telling, food preparation, money management, medication and diabetes management, household tasks, cleaning, clothing care and identification, personal grooming, sewing, eating techniques, leisure activities, time management, labeling, and telephone use.
• Provide instruction in personal communication and technology, as appropriate for the client's needs, including handwriting, note taking, Braille, telephone use, reading using low vision adaptive devices, using audio and smart devices to accomplish tasks, and accessing low vision apps.
• Emphasize the effective use of any residual vision, tactile, and other sensory modalities, and reinforce learning associated with other areas of instruction
• Maintain knowledge of adaptive technology, such as CCTVs, digital recorders, note-takers, low-vision devices and accessible apps for smart devices.
• Accurately maintain client files and timely documentation for reporting and billing.
• Maintain knowledge of and/or how to access community resources to make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Stay current in the field by maintaining certification and education through conferences and workshops, and provide training to other professionals as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Action-Oriented - take strategies and ideas, develop plans and turn them into reality
• Resilient - bouncing back from difficult situations, maintaining a positive outlook and finding a way forward, requires courage and commitment

Core Values:

Opportunity

• I will communicate in a way that makes others feel respected, valued and heard.
• I will actively listen to others when they communicate with me.
• I will work together with others to achieve our goals.
• I will be open to change as it will support the Bosma Mission and Vision
• I will take risks when necessary.

Accountability

• I will arrive on time for my shift and be ready to work.
• I will help my coworkers.
• I will acknowledge my mistakes and work to correct them.
• I will work on solutions to problems and communicate them to my leader respectfully and collaboratively
• I will be willing to accept constructive feedback to improve my performance.
• I will perform to the outlined expectations in my role.

Innovation

• I will conduct myself at work in a way that creates a positive outlook.
• I will have an open mind to changes that provide benefits and opportunities to others.
• I will challenge myself to be curious and a lifelong learner.
• I will positively collaborate with others.

The employee filling this position has been authorized by the Bosma Management Team to perform the job duties listed in this job description.